A Challenging ExpeditionSummary
As usual, Ranzal and Luca return to the Halidom battered and bruised. But when their friends press for a reason, they clam up. It turns out they were hunting for somnium apples for the prince and ran into trouble—but they won't let that stop them from trying again!
Dialogue
Ranzal: Things were way rougher'n usual today, Luca. We barely made it back in one piece.
Luca: I can't believe a hornet's nest fell out of that tree you kicked.
Valentine's Hildegarde: ...Back home with bumps and bruises to spare like always. Very well—come here and I shall treat your wounds.
Ranzal: Thanks for this, Hildegarde. Sorry we're always such trouble.
Valentine's Ezelith: Are you REALLY sorry? This is pretty much an everyday occurrence with you two! Also, you just picked up and left without a word about where you were going! Just what are you up to, anyway?
Ranzal: Aw, were ya worried 'bout us?
Valentine's Ezelith: Ha! I've better things to do than worry about the exploits of Gramps the Geezer and Idiot Boy! ...So no. I wasn't worried. I didn't spare even a single thought for either of you!
Ranzal: Well, in that case, buzz off. This is our fight, yeah? A kid like you wouldn't understand.
Valentine's Ezelith: Are you calling me a KID?!
Valentine's Hildegarde: Enough, Ezelith. I can't focus on treating their wounds when you caterwaul like that.
Valentine's Ezelith: GAAAAH! You're a total idiot, old man!
Luca: Oof. Think we should go after her?
Ranzal: Eh, it's fine. She'll get over it.
Valentine's Hildegarde: Well then, that should do it for the treatme—Oh! Euden!
Ranzal: Hey there, chief! ...How's that? Ya wanna know how we got hurt? Sorry, but that's classified info. But don't worry—we ain't up to nothin' bad like bein' huge traitors or whatever.
Luca: We'll tell you all about it soon. We promise. Just believe in us for a bit, okay? ...Hey, I'm glad you understand. Thanks—and sorry for worrying you. Honestly, your trust in us blows me away sometimes. It's a bigger boon than you know. And it'll all be worth it, don't you worry—we just need a little time!
Luca: He's gonna taste a somnium apple if it's the last thing I do!
Ranzal: For real. That cat trusts us completely. Ain't no way a man could ever betray someone like that. Let's DO this, Luca!
Luca: Somnium apples, here we come!